Bob Evans coming to Petoskey

The Emmet County Planning Commission Thursday night approved plans for a new Bob Evans Restaurant to be built at a site along U.S. 131.

The vote approved the Ohio-based Bob Evans restaurant for development after more than three years of effort.

In 2008, a similar restaurant plan was approved, but stalled after Miller Apple Limited Partnership -- owner of the Applebee's restaurant -- made a court challenge to the zoning plan, based largely on concerns about the new restaurant in Bear Creek Plaza harming its economic interests.

Miller Apple Limited Partnership lost the case in Emmet County Circuit Court and later had an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court go unheard.

When the planning meeting met Thursday night, much of the 2008 plan remained the same. Under the plan, the diner-style restaurant would seat 133 and be open 7 days a week.

The largest change was the addition of a detached dumpster, which will be heavily screened with trees. Bear Creek Planning officials, who earlier approved the plans, voiced their concern that the waste area have additional trees. The applicant added the trees to the plan prior to the county meeting.

The only other concerns voiced to the county planning commission was the possibility of added traffic.

Discussion centered around whether the restaurant could potentially draw in larger vehicles such as RVs or trucks with campers or boats, which might cause congestion and possible safety issues within the property.

"I think you need to go back and look at this a little more carefully," said Dr. Michael Banyai, of Petoskey Urgent Care.

Banyai added his concerns about a lack of a pull-through area for large vehicles.

But, Emmet County Commissioner Jack Jones said he did not think large rigs would attempt to enter the plaza area or the restaurant parking lot.

Banyai, then questioned if some of the parking spaces couldn't be converted to large parking areas for trucks with trailers or RVs. But, the commission felt adequate parking was already outlined.

The county requires a ratio of one parking space for two seated customers, meaning the Bob Evans restaurant must have at least 67 spaces. There are already 90 parking spaces planned for the 2.52 acre lot.

It was also decided by the commission that if vehicles do park on the entrance roadway, property complex owner RG Properties would be responsible for adding signs or having vehicles towed, rather than Bob Evans.